Energy generating shelter system and method

ABSTRACT

A shelter capable of producing electrical energy is provided. The shelter includes a canopy which defines a sheltered area, a photovoltaic device capable of producing an electrical current when exposed to a light source (sunlight or artificial light), and a supporting structure to support the canopy and permit unobstructed access to the sheltered area. An electrical load is operatively connected to the photovoltaic device for utilizing the electricity generated by the photovoltaic device when the photovoltaic device is exposed to light. The shelter is well-suited to protect vehicles in large parking lots from the sun and other elements while simultaneously providing an alternate energy source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of prior application no. 10/679,075, filed Oct. 3,2003, which is a continuation-in-part of prior application No.09/902,390 filed Jul. 10, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,591, issued Oct.14, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carport shelter, and moreparticularly to a shelter having or composed of a photovoltaic devicecapable of generating electricity from sunlight or other sources oflight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A need exists for a shelter that protects vehicles from naturalenvironmental concerns while still providing an unobstructed view of thevehicles.

A need also exists for a shelter that reduces the amount of sun, UVrays, rain, hail, light snow and other elements that possibly could makecontact with vehicles, yet also remains aesthetically pleasing,complements the surroundings, and allows the car to be on display.

In addition, a need exists for a shelter suited for people that do notdesire to keep their vehicles in a garage or other enclosed structure,but still want to keep them sheltered, particularly withoutsignificantly obstructing the natural view of the surroundingenvironment. A need further exists for a carport or shelter that iscapable of producing electricity when exposed to sunlight orartificially generated light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a shelter, which may be acarport, is provided. The shelter can include either a semi-flexible ortensioned/membrane roof, that can be in the shape of a rigid, concavecanopy, or any other desired shape that is composed of a rigidself-supporting material. Consequently, the canopy in one embodiment canbe a frame-less structure, that is, a frame to support the canopy is notrequired. The canopy can be of any desired size or area and typicallyhas a width and length larger than the width and length of a standardsize automobile. The shelter typically further includes a suitablesupporting structure that rigidly connects to the canopy, so that thecanopy is mounted in a fixed position spaced above the ground a desireddistance. Preferably, the shelter structure in accordance with theinvention includes a longitudinally extending support member rigidlysecured to the canopy and to a laterally, generally horizontallyextending supporting structure that has an end or a portion that islaterally spaced from the canopy. The end or portion of the laterallyextending supporting structure that is laterally spaced from the canopycan be secured to another structure that provides the desired elevationfor the rigid canopy. Typically, that structure will be a generallyvertically extending post member mounted directly or indirectly to theground, or to other suitable structure.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a rigid, concave canopyis provided that is composed of light transmissive material which may betransparent or translucent. In another embodiment, it is composed oftransparent, colored or opaque material, which may include a one-waymirrored material, on either side and typically so that a person belowthe canopy can see upward through the canopy, but a person above thecanopy cannot see downwardly through it. Thus, it is contemplated thatin one embodiment the canopy will provide for a substantiallyunobstructed view of both the vehicle underneath it and the surroundingenvironment.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the rigid canopy,when concave, has a radius of curvature in the range of from about 5 to30 feet or more. Such a radius of curvature will provide for an adequateshelter for the vehicle, while also providing enough of a curve fordebris and rain runoff. Alternatively, the canopy can be of any desiredshape or curvature.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the rigid canopy iscomposed of a plurality of rigid, self-supporting concave panelsattached or secured together in side-by-side complementary relationship.While the canopy material is rigid, it is to be understood that rigidmaterials inherently will flex to some degree. In one embodiment, eachconcave panel is suitably secured to another concave panel with, forexample, a correspondingly concave or flexible channel member, or othersuitable structure. In another embodiment, the transverse edge of eachconcave panel is secured within a channel member. In another embodiment,the edge of each concave panel is adhered within a channel member.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or moreperipheral edging strips are secured to the peripheral edge of the rigidcanopy, which rigid canopy may be composed of a plurality of concavepanels. In one embodiment, the edging is composed of rigid acrylicmaterial that can be transparent. In another embodiment, the edging iscomposed of flexible material. The edging provides additional protectionof the panels, especially the panel edge, from environmental hazards andshock.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the longitudinallyextending support member is constructed in a desired configuration andmay include two pairs of I-beams, connected together, on a single I-beamor a square beam or pair of square beams with one pair or one beamrigidly attached to the supporting structure and with one pair locatedon different longitudinal portions of the canopy, which may be differentlongitudinal half portions of the canopy.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the longitudinallyextending support member may further include arcuate members laterallyspaced along the canopy length that are formed to allow attachment tothe canopy at two transversely spaced areas taking into account thecanopy's radius of curvature, and have straight vertically extendingends. It is contemplated that the arcuate members are composed of arigid structural material. In one embodiment, the arcuate members arecomposed of stainless steel tubing formed to provide the desiredconfiguration such as in an arch shape. The arcuate members are composedof any suitable material including aluminum, steel and compositematerials.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each arcuate memberfurther includes reinforcing arms that are suitably attached, such as bywelding, to inside the tubular arch and also have straight ends. It iscontemplated that the reinforcing arms are composed of the same materialas that of the arcuate member.

Alternatively, in place of the arcuate members may be utilized angularsupport members.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the longitudinallyextending support member further includes flanges that attach the endsof the arcuate members to the rigid, concave canopy. The flanges providefor a secure attachment to the rigid canopy and allow a relativelyuniform distribution of forces on the canopy. It is contemplated thatthe flanges attach to the canopy by any suitable structure, such as, forexample, with threaded fasteners, which may be by bolts. It isalternatively contemplated that the flanges attach with a suitableadhesive. The surface of the flange that abuts the canopy may have acurvature to match the canopy in the area of abutment.

In another aspect of the invention, curved or angled flanges are locatedunderneath the canopy in a location directly opposite and complementaryto the flanges. This embodiment will allow the concave panels to berigidly secured and held together.

Alternatively, bolts may be embedded in the canopy material, which caneliminate the need for a bottom flange.

Numerous advantages may be realized by the present invention. Forexample, the unobstructed view of the sheltered vehicle can provide fora display and draw attention to the sheltered vehicle. This factor willappeal to people who wish to draw attention to their vehicles, possiblybecause of their rarity or prestige. Alternatively, commercial dealersthat display many vehicles, for example, car or boat dealers, will beable to fully put on view and display the vehicles, while simultaneouslyprotecting such vehicles from environmental elements.

In addition to providing for a full view of the protected vehicle, thetransparent canopy has the advantage of preserving the view of thesurrounding environment in which the shelter is placed. This aspect willespecially appeal to people that live in aesthetically pleasing localesthat include, for example, mountains, water, trees, flowers, or evenother buildings. With this shelter, people will be able to protect theirvehicles with only a very minimal obstruction on the view of thecorresponding surrounding area.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a shelter capable ofproducing electrical energy is provided. The shelter includes a canopydefining a sheltered area. The canopy may be rigid or flexible and canbe of any desired shape or material, including cloth or a membranematerial. A photovoltaic device capable of producing an electricalcurrent when exposed to a light source is associated with the canopy tocollect sunlight to produce electricity. A supporting structure, whichcan be constructed without walls, is connected to and supports thecanopy and permits substantially unobstructed access to the shelteredarea. The energy generating shelter may further include an electricalload operatively connected to the photovoltaic device for utilizing theelectricity generated by the photovoltaic device when the photovoltaicdevice is exposed to light. The canopy can be mounted for movement tofollow the light source such as the sun to maximize electrical energyproduction.

The photovoltaic device may be any suitable photovoltaic device ormaterial known in the art for converting light energy into electricalcurrent. For example, such devices are typically rigid crystallinephotovoltaic systems or flexible thin film amorphous photovoltaicsystems and may be composed of numerous photovoltaic cells or modules.The photovoltaic device is associated with the canopy by any suitablearrangement. The photovoltaic device may be supported by the canopy orthe photovoltaic device may be applied directly to the canopy surface.Alternatively, the photovoltaic device may be integral to or dispersedwithin the canopy. The photovoltaic device may even constitute thecanopy itself.

In one aspect of the invention a first photovoltaic device may beassociated with the top surface of the canopy and oriented to receivesunlight. A second photovoltaic device may be associated with theunderside of the canopy and directed to the ground. An electric or othertype of light may be affixed to the underside of, or located below, thecanopy to illuminate the sheltered area during periods of darkness. Thefirst and/or second photovoltaic device may generate electricity whilethe light is illuminated.

In another aspect of the invention, the photovoltaic device includes alight emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting device, which can bein the form of a layer. The LED is preferably a thin film, flexibleorganic light emitting diode (OLED) sandwiched or contained between anupper photovoltaic material and a lower photovoltaic material.Transparent photovoltaic material is preferably used allowing the thinfilm OLED layer to emit light through the lower photovoltaic material toilluminate the sheltered area at night or other periods of low light ordarkness. The light emitting layer may also be a phosphor layer orcoating, associated with the photovoltaic device so that thephotovoltaic device generates electricity from light produced by the LEDor light emitting layer, including at night.

The electrical load that may be connected to the photovoltaic device maybe any system or device that may utilize the electricity generated bythe photovoltaic device as is commonly known in the art. For instance,the electrical load may include all or part of the power demand of abuilding or structure adjacent the energy-generating shelter.Alternatively, the electrical load may be the power distribution grid ofa nearby utility company whereby the electricity produced by the shelteris distributed to other power consumers located throughout the powergrid. The electrical load may also be a battery or other electricalenergy storage device as desired. The battery or storage device may beused to power any of the previously described light sources forilluminating any outdoor area, preferably the sheltered area.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofproducing electricity is provided. The method includes providing acanopy defining a sheltered area and having a photovoltaic deviceassociated with the canopy wherein the photovoltaic device is capable ofproducing an electrical current when exposed to a light source. Thecanopy can be supported without walls above an outdoor vehicle parkingarea with a supporting structure but without walls so that substantiallyunobstructed access, including ingress and egress of the motor vehicles,to the parking area is permitted. The method further includes exposingthe photovoltaic device to light in order to generate electricity andconnecting an electrical load to the electricity. The electrical loadmay include a power meter allowing reverse metering of the power meterwith the electricity produced by the shelter.

The energy producing shelter is well-suited for large parking lots andprovides the multiple benefits of protecting parked vehicles fromsunlight as well as providing an alternate power supply. Thus, a furtheradvantage of the present invention is to reduce the strain on a localpower grid by supplying power to adjacent buildings with the electricitygenerated by the shelter. Alternatively, the shelter-generated power maybe sent directly to a utility company or corresponding power grid anddistributed to other users within the grid, particularly during peakpower demand periods. When used on a large scale, the shelter-generatedelectricity may assist in preventing rolling brownouts or blackouts in alocal power grid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 in anupright position;

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged perspective front elevation view of aportion of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional front view of a portion of thelongitudinally extending support member of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of a portion of the device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view along line 8-8 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofattaching structure useful in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an energy-generating shelterin accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of theenergy-generating shelter view in accordance with an alternateembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures generally, there is illustrated a carport 10 inaccordance with one aspect of the invention. Carport 10 includes arigid, self-supporting concave canopy 12 that is composed of a rigidself-supporting material, and that typically is of a width and lengthlarger than the width and length of a standard size automobile A.Carport 10 also includes a supporting structure 14 that rigidly connectsto and extends vertically from canopy 12. Carport 10 further includes ahorizontally extending longitudinally extending support member 16 thatrigidly secures to supporting structure 14 and has an end 18 that islaterally spaced from canopy 12. Member 16 may be an I-beam asillustrated or may be any desired structure such as a tubular orbox-like structural member, as long as it is capable of providing thedesired structural support.

Carport 10 further includes a generally vertical post member 20, whichin this case is an I-beam, although any suitable structure can be used,that has an upper portion 22 to which laterally spaced end 18 of supportmember 16 is connected, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. I-beam verticalpost member 20 extends laterally past the edge of canopy 12, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Post member 20 is suitable for mounting toa supporting surface, such as a base plate 24, to which it is mountedwith bolts 24′, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively, postmember 20 can be mounted to a foundation (not shown) or other suitablestructure. Alternatively, end 18 could be mounted to a building or othersuitable structure to provide the desired elevation for canopy 12.

Rigid, concave canopy 12 can be composed of a desired material and maybe either light transmissive material or transparent material andoptionally can be also composed of light emissive material. Thus, ifdesired, an unobstructed view of both what is sheltered underneath thecanopy and of the corresponding, surrounding environment can beprovided, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, particularly when thecanopy is transparent.

Rigid, concave canopy 12 has a radius of curvature R of from about fiveto thirty feet, as shown in FIG. 3. Such curvature will provide enoughof a slope for debris and rain runoff.

Rigid, concave canopy 12 of carport 10 may be composed of a single panel(not shown) or a plurality of rigid, self-supporting concave panels 26secured in side-by-side relationship, as best shown in FIG. 2. Eachconcave panel 26 is secured to another concave panel 26 with a concavechannel member 28, which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Each concave panel26 can be bonded into concave channel member 28, which can beaccomplished by use of a suitable adhesive, for example, or by afriction fit. Outer concave panels 26 are secured into a concave paneledging strip 30, which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Panel edging 30protects the edges of panels 26 from the elements and ensures that theyremain secured together.

Rigid, concave canopy 12 is suspended from supporting structure 14, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, supporting structure 14 couldbe located below the canopy instead of above (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, supporting structure 14 is composed of aplurality of longitudinally spaced arcuate members 32 that conform tothe canopy's radius of curvature and have vertically extending straightportions 34, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Arcuate members 32 arecomposed of a rigid material, such as tubular steel or aluminum, forexample, and may be composed of stainless steel tubing that is bent orotherwise formed to provide the desired configuration. Each arcuatemember 32 connects to canopy 12 at two transversely spaced apartlocations, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Arcuate members 32 are mounted to a longitudinally extending supportmember 33 that forms part of support structure 14 by means ofreinforcing arms 36, 36′ and 36″, which together with arcuate members32, form a rigid structure, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Arcuatemembers 32 in one embodiment have a central horizontally extendingportion 32′, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example. Arcuate members 32can be of a shape as desired. Reinforcing arms 36, 36′ and 36″ provideadditional support for arcuate members 32 to ensure structuralintegrity. Reinforcing arms 36, 36′ and 36″ include ends 38, 38′ and 38″and can be composed of the same material as that of arcuate member 32.Arms 36, 36′ and 36″ each have ends 36 a, 36 a′ and 36 a″ and arerigidly secured to support member 16, such as by welding or otherwisesecuring a block 56, 56′ and 56″ to a respective plate 58 or for blocks56 and 56″ to vertical side 42″ and 44′ of I-beams 42 and 44,respectively, such as with nuts and bolts 60 and 62. Alternatively, anyother suitable structure could be utilized to form the desired rigidconnection of arms 36, 36′ and 36″ to longitudinal support member 33.The two downwardly depending spaced apart ends 34′ of each arcuatemember 32 are secured to correspondingly transversely spaced apart areasof canopy 12 as hereinafter described in greater detail with particularreference to FIG. 4.

Longitudinally extending support member 33 is preferably located abovethe longitudinal centerline of canopy 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, forexample, and may be in any suitable configuration. In an alternateembodiment (not shown), member 42 of longitudinally extending supportmember 33 or similar structure could extend longitudinally past onelongitudinal end of canopy 12 (such as end 12′ in FIGS. 2 and 6) formounting to a vertical post or other member (not shown) or to a wall(not shown), for example, or other supporting structure.

In the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, longitudinallyextending support member 33 is composed of two pairs of I-beams, 42 and44 respectively, connected together by any suitable structure, such asby welds W, for example, one pair being located on each longitudinalhalf portion of canopy 12, as shown in FIG. 2. The longitudinallyextending support member 33 is securely connected to a transverselyextending support member 16, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, forexample, and as illustrated is an I-beam. End plates 48 are located atthe ends of longitudinally extending support member 33 that are securedto the vertical portion 16′ of I-beam or member 16 via bolts, asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 or other suitable structure.

Ends 34′ of members 32 have flanges 50 that attach ends 34′ of arcuatemembers 32 to rigid, concave canopy 12, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.These flanges 50 preferably have a curved contacting surface for contactwith the curved surface of panels 26 and thus preferably are curved tothe corresponding curvature of the concave panel, as shown in FIG. 3. Inaddition, each flange 50 has a complementary flange 52 located on theopposite surface of canopy 12 in a location directly corresponding toflange 50 and that is curved to correspond to the curvature of theconcave panel, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each pair of flanges 50 and 52are secured together with one of panels 26 therebetween by suitablefasteners such as nuts and bolts 62 that extend through the respectivepanels 26, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, a suitably curved blockingmember could be located between the flanges and respective panel 26. Toisolate panels 26 from vibration and/or shock from support structure 14,a thin, flexible bushing or pad (not shown) may be interposed betweeneach of flanges 50 and 52 and respective panel 26, which may beconstructed of suitable material as desired, such as rubber, vinylmaterial or polyurethane material, which may be transparent, forexample.

An alternate attachment system is illustrated in FIG. 9. A bolt 64 hasan end 66 that is embedded in canopy 12 a, which is similar to canopy12. End 66 is preferably of relatively large cross-sectional area todistribute forces over a relatively large area of canopy 12 a.

Flange 50′, similar to previously described flange 50 is shown in afragmentary sectional elevation view. Interposed between flange 50′ is abushing 68 which may be constructed of relatively flexible material suchas rubber, vinyl material or polyurethane material, which may betransparent. A nut 70 is threadably fastened onto threaded portion 72 ofbolt 64 to secure flange 50′ to canopy 12 a. Any other suitablestructure to fasten the supporting structure to the rigid canopy may beused in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 10-12 depict alternate embodiments of the present invention. Ashelter 100 in accordance with the invention is capable of producingelectrical energy. Shelter 100 is wall-less and includes one or morecanopies 102 a and 102 b, supporting structure 104 a and 104 b. One ofordinary skill in the art will realize that shelter 100 may include aplurality of canopies and supporting structures (as shown in FIG. 10) ora single canopy and supporting structure without detracting from thepresent invention. Canopies 102 a and 102 b each have a width and alength defining a respective sheltered area 108 a and 108 b thereunder.Preferably, the dimensions of canopies 102 a and 102 b are such thateach sheltered area 108 a and 108 b provides sufficient cover for atleast one car, a sport utility vehicle, a small truck, or similarvehicle. Canopies 102 a and 102 b may be composed of a lighttransmissive or transparent material as previously described with tintedor untinted glass, plexiglass or similar methacrylate derivatives beingpreferred and can optionally incorporate or be composed of lightemissive material. Canopies 102 a and 102 b each may be rigid orflexible, curved, substantially flat, composed of a single panel orcomposed of a plurality of panels secured in a side-by-side relationshipas previously described.

Each supporting structure 104 a and 104 b can be of any desired orsuitable construction or design and as illustrated includes a respectivevertical support member 110 a and 110 b, a longitudinal supportstructure member 112 a and 112 b and arch supports 114 a and 114 b tosupport each respective canopy 102 a and 102 b above the ground as shownin FIG. 10. Supporting structures 104 a and 104 b support respectivecanopies 102 a and 102 b without walls permitting substantiallyunobstructed access to sheltered areas 108 a and 108 b. Consequently,vehicles 116 a and 116 b may readily enter and exit respective shelteredareas 108 a and 108 b and be substantially sheltered or covered byrespective canopies 102 a and 102 b while parked in each sheltered area.One skilled in the art will appreciate that shelter 100 may bedimensioned to adequately shelter a plurality of vehicles parked inparking spots 118 a, 118 b and 118 c in a similar manner.

Associated with each canopy 102 a and 102 b is a photovoltaic device 120capable of producing an electrical current when exposed to a lightsource. Typically, device 120 is a photovoltaic device and any suitablephotovoltaic device may be used in the present invention. Photovoltaicdevices which generate an electrical current when exposed to a lightsource are well known in the art. Typically, such devices include asemiconducting component, collectors, grid wires, a contact layer, anencapsulant and optionally a mechanical (i.e., lenses or reflectors) orchemical (i.e., gallium arsenide) concentrator used to increaseelectrical output and/or an up/down converter (i.e., aluminum arsenide,gallium phosphide, or boron in cubic silicon). Nonlimiting examples ofmaterials known to be photovoltaic are organic or inorganicsemiconductors composed of silicon with or without germanium andcompound semiconductors such as cadmium sulfide-copper sulfide, galliumarsenide, cuprous oxide, cadmium telluride, cadmium selenide, copperindium diselenide, copper indium gallium diselenide, indium galliumarsenide nitride, lead dioxide, titanium dioxide, dye sensitized solarcells (organic), hybrid solar cells and combinations thereof. Theskilled artisan will recognize that photovoltaic device 120 may beconfigured as a rigid crystalline photovoltaic system or as a thin filmflexible amorphous photovoltaic system as is commonly known in the art.

Photovoltaic device 120 may be associated with canopies 102 a and 102 bin any suitable manner as is commonly known in the art. For example, theskilled artisan will appreciate that photovoltaic device 120 may be anarray of self-contained solar panels affixed to or otherwise supportedby either canopy 102 a or 102 b. Alternatively, each canopy 102 a and/or102 b may serve as a substrate upon which photovoltaic device 120 may beapplied as a flexible thin film photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic device120 may also be integral to or dispersed within canopy 102 a and/or 102b and can be of any suitable type, for example, either a crystallinestructure or an amorphous thin film system. When adequatelyencapsulated, photovoltaic device 120 may even be utilized to form thecanopy itself. It is understood that canopy 102 a and/or 102 b as wellas photovoltaic device 120 may be continuous or non-continuous as it maybe necessary to intersperse supporting devices between adjacent canopypanels and/or photovoltaic device panels. Regardless of the associationbetween photovoltaic device 120 and canopies 102 a and 102 b, it ispreferred that photovoltaic device 120 is suitably oriented to receivesunlight.

It is apparent that the most effective photovoltaic energy generationwill occur when shelter 100 is situated in high and direct sunlightexposure areas, direct sunlight being most preferred. To maximizesunlight exposure, longitudinal support members 112 a and 112 b and archsupport members 114 a and 114 b are preferably disposed on the undersideof each respective canopy 102 a and 102 b. It is contemplated thatapplication of shelter 100 to the open sun-exposed areas of largeparking lots presents particular synergistic benefits of the presentinvention as will be described hereafter. Shelter 100 may be used atindividual residential or commercial parking areas as well. Photovoltaicdevice 120 could be mounted to any suitable structure or mechanism formovement in order to follow and be oriented towards the sun for maximumefficiency.

Wiring (not shown) extends from photovoltaic device 120 throughsupporting structures 104 a and 104 b to deliver the electricitygenerated by photovoltaic device 120 to electrical load 106. Electricalload 106 may be any device or system that transports, uses, or storeselectricity as is commonly known in the art. In one embodiment of theinvention, electrical load 106 may be the electrical power demand of abuilding or dwelling adjacent shelter 100. In this embodiment, theelectricity generated by shelter 100 is sent to a power converter orinverter 124 to convert the DC electricity generated by photovoltaicdevice 120 into AC electricity. The AC electricity is then sent to thebuilding to supplement, reduce or substitute altogether the powersupplied by a conventional utility company.

Alternatively, electrical load 106 may be a local power company whichutilizes the electricity generated by shelter 100. The AC electricity ofpower converter 124 may be sent directly to a local utility company tobe distributed to other power consumers serviced by the utility company.The shelter-generated power may also be divided among multiple loads.For example, the AC converted electricity generated by shelter 100 maybe used to supply power to an adjacent building with any excesselectricity delivered to the nearby utility company.

In the event it is not possible to send electricity to the utilitycompany, provision of a power meter 126 operatively connected to eithershelter 100 or an adjacent building powered by shelter 100 enables theelectricity generated by shelter 100 to reverse meter the power meter126. Reverse metering occurs when excess electricity produced by shelter100 spins power meter 126 backwards effectively banking the electricityuntil it is needed. This enables the operator of shelter 100 to obtainfull retail value of any shelter-generated electricity.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, electrical load 106 may bea battery 122 to store the shelter-generated electricity for later use.Battery 122 may be electrically connected to a light 128 as shown inFIG. 10. Light 128 may be used to illuminate sheltered area 108 a and/or108 b or any outdoor area such as a parking lot, for example, duringnightfall or other periods of little or no sunlight. It will beappreciated that photovoltaic device 120 may generate electricity whenexposed to light emitted from light 128 or other artificial light.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein aphotovoltaic device 130 a is associated with the upper surface of acanopy 132 and a photovoltaic device 130 b is associated with theunderside surface of canopy 132 in any suitable manner as previouslydescribed. Photovoltaic device 130 a is oriented toward the sun whilephotovoltaic device 130 b is directed toward the ground. Photovoltaicdevices 130 a and 130 b may be composed of transparent flexible filmphotovoltaic material as is commonly known in the art enablingphotovoltaic devices 130 a and 130 b to be composed of multiple layersof photovoltaic material.

An electric light 134 of any desired type is attached to the undersideof, in between the layers or located below, canopy 132 and may beoperatively connected to battery 122. Light 134 may be any suitablelight emitting device including, but not limited to incandescent,fluorescent, metal ion, or halogen based light sources as well as anorganic or inorganic light emitting diode. Light 134 may be aconventional bulb configuration or a thin film system as is commonlyknown in the art. Shelter-generated electricity stored in battery 122may then be used to power light 134 and illuminate sheltered area 135and vehicle 137 during periods of darkness. The presence of photovoltaicdevice 130 b on the underside as well as on the top side of canopy 132allows for the generation of electricity when light 134 is illuminated.It is understood that light 134 may include a switch enabling anoperator to select either battery 122 or conventional power as the lightpower source.

FIG. 12 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention wherein aphotovoltaic device 138 is composed of a layer of photovoltaic material140 a oriented to receive sunlight, a thin layer light emittingmaterial, which can be light emitting diode (LED) 142 or other lightemitting or emissive material, including a phosphor layer or coating,for example. Light generated by the LED or light emissive material canbe used to generate electricity by photovoltaic device 138. Stackedlayers of photovoltaic devices and light emissive materials can also beused, if desired, and a photovoltaic material 140 b oriented toward theground. Photovoltaic material 140 a and 140 b may be the same ordifferent. Preferably, both photovoltaic material 140 a and 140 b arecomposed of a single layer or multiple layers of flexible thin filmtransparent photovoltaic material as is commonly known in the art.Photovoltaic device 138 may be associated with canopy 102 a and/or 102 bin any suitable manner as previously described. Preferably, photovoltaicdevice 138 is dispersed within or encapsulated by either canopy 102 a or102 b.

LED 142 is preferably an organic light-emitting device (OLED). OLEDs arethin, film-based organic substrate layers sandwiched between atransparent anode and a metal cathode to produce surface emitting light.OLEDs are readily deposited on flexible plastic films or foils makingthem well-suited for use with flexible thin film photovoltaic systems.OLEDs are typically deposited or fabricated on a glass or plasticsubstrate to form a multi-layer structure having a thickness typicallyin the range of about one hundred to about several hundred nanometers.The photovoltaic material and OLED can be located on the same substrateand can be vapor deposited or formed in a roll-to-roll system by anysuitable method known in the art.

Preferably, photovoltaic device 140 b is transparent, enabling LED 142to illuminate the sheltered area when operatively connected and poweredby battery 122 during periods of darkness. A layer of reflectivematerial co-extensive with LED 142 may be placed on the upper side ofLED 142 to direct the light emitted from LED 142 substantially downward.One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that photovoltaic device140 b may generate electricity when LED 142 is illuminated. LED 142 maybe operatively connected to a switch allowing an operator to selectwhether LED 142 is powered by battery 122 or conventional electricalpower. LED 142, dispersed or placed in the roof's vicinity, can be usedto display human readable indicia, and thus can be used as aninformation display while generating electricity simultaneously. SuchLED displays and associated equipment to display indicia are well knownin the art and are not described in detail herein.

One skilled in the art will readily understand the numerous advantagesand benefits of the present invention. The present invention providesthe synergistic effect of providing cover from the sun and other naturalelements while simultaneously generating electrical power. This makesthe energy generating shelter of the present invention well-suited foruse in large parking lots at shopping malls, retail outlets, commutersites and commercial facilities, for example. Parking areas at theselocations are typically outdoors and experience high sun exposure. Thus,erecting the inventive electricity generating shelter at such siteswould not only provide an alternate energy source but would yield theadded benefit of protecting parked vehicles from the elements, i.e.,sun, hail and rain, for example, while maintaining the vehicles'interior at a cooler temperature to the favor of vehicle operatorsdeparting these sites, as well as illuminate dark areas for safetyreasons.

The present era of energy deregulation, rising utility costs and anincreased frequency of power outages has increased public awareness ofthese problems and underscores the need for effective alternate forms ofenergy generation. Utilized on a large scale, the energy generatingshelter of the present invention may significantly reduce the strain onoverburdened and aging power grids by supplying power directly to energyconsumers adjacent the shelters. Power grid strain may be furtherreduced by supplying the shelter-generated energy to a nearby utilitycompany for further distribution to other energy consumers. Wide-scaleapplication of the present energy generating shelter may considerablyreduce the occurrence of rolling brownouts, blackouts or other problemsassociated with power grid strain, particularly during peak energydemand periods resulting from, for example, hot sunny days, which arealso the types of days when maximum electricity can be produced byphotovoltaic devices.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferredembodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it isto be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes,modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications andrearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.

1. A system for generating electricity from a parking lot comprising: anoutdoor parking area having at least one vehicle parking space; a canopyhaving a width and a length defining a sheltered area for said parkingspace and having a photovoltaic device capable of producing anelectrical current when exposed to a light source, said photovoltaicdevice associated with said canopy to produce electrical current fromsunlight; a supporting structure connected to and supporting said canopyand permitting substantially unobstructed access to the sheltered area;and an electrical load operatively connected to the photovoltaic devicefor utilizing the electricity generated by the photovoltaic device whenthe photovoltaic device is exposed to light.
 2. A method of producingelectricity comprising: providing a canopy having a width and a lengthdefining a sheltered area and having a photovoltaic device capable ofproducing an electrical current when exposed to a light source, saidphotovoltaic device associated with said canopy to produce electricalcurrent from sunlight; supporting the canopy without walls above anoutdoor vehicle parking area with a supporting structure that permitssubstantially unobstructed access to the parking area; exposing thephotovoltaic device to light to generate electricity; and connecting anelectrical load to the electricity.
 3. The method of claim 2 whereinsaid electrical load is a power meter and the method further comprisesreverse metering the power meter.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein saidelectrical load is a utility company power distribution grid.
 5. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising producing electricity at night witha light emissive material operatively associated with the photovoltaicdevice dispersed within or placed in the (PV) roof's vicinity.
 6. Apanel for producing electricity comprising: a substantially transparentpanel body having a top surface and a bottom surface; said substantiallytransparent panel body including at least one transparent photovoltaicdevice associated with at least one of the top surface and bottomsurface; and an organic light emitting diode associated with said atleast one photovoltaic device, wherein said organic light emitting diodeis capable of displaying human readable information.
 7. The panel ofclaim 6 wherein the human readable information is human readable video.